Top 5 Reasons to Dive into a Dumpster Today

While eating out currently sits comfortably in slot number 31 on our list of most popular hobbies, we have a feeling the financial crisis will cause a drop in eating out and a high spike in the sport of dumpster diving. Now don’t go running the other direction–dumpster diving (a growing hobby among the financially savvy in which you, well, dive into a dumpster in quest of food, furniture, etc.) is actually a pretty cool hobby. And we’ll tell you why:

1. Because You’re Poor (Or Just Cheap)

Dumpster diving = perfection for people who want to save money. It’s free & fun. It saves you money on groceries and who-knows-what-else-you-find. And it’s a great way to begin a new frugal lifestyle. So shred up the credit cards, get rid of the luxuries, and dive on in…

2. Because You’re Quirky Like That

Don’t get us wrong: we don’t don’t promote hobbies solely for their trendy/quirky/cool status. But, well, you are quirky and adventurous, aren’t you? Isn’t that why you’re reading NotSoBoringLife in the first place? You love experiencing new things–and trust us, dumpster diving is a new experience at its very finest.

3. Because It’s Practical

Not only is it an unusual way to spend a Saturday night (and a great first date experience) but it’s also a way to accomplish the oft despised chore of grocery shopping. Practicality at its best!

4. Because The Environment Will Love You

Reduce, reuse, recycle–right? By diving headfirst into the dumpster rather than splurging at the grocery store, you’re singlehandedly saving the environment. OK, so that may be an exxageration. But dumpster diving does mean you’re consuming items that would otherwise be wasted, so the environment will certainly love you for it.

5. Because It’s Actually Not (That) Disgusting

The one problem most people have with dumpster diving is the whole “IckEwwIt’sSoGrossHowCouldYouDoThat? Factor.” Well, we’re here to tell you that–OK, we have to be honest. It can be a bit gross–but it totally depends. Like restaurants, some dumpsters are nicer than others. Plus, food will often be wrapped up–completely sealed & ready to eat–and may actually be better for you than the food you’d order at some dicey restaurant (who knows what they’re doing back there to your brocolli soup). With dumpster diving, you know where it’s been.

Are you ready to dive head-first? Stay tuned for our next article on strategies for dumpster diving.

Comments

It’s not illegal if you know where to do it. As soon as you drag your garbage can out of your property and ready for the garbage men, anyone can pick through your trash. It’s not illegal, which is why it’s encouraged to shred important documents.

Larger bins that ARE on business properties, yeah, get permission. I would never eat food from the trash but at schools, a lot of cool stuff is left behind to include textbooks, posters, and so on. As long as you don’t make a mess, they shouldn’t mind.

You’re right on it being dangerous. If it’s not a dry bin where no deteriorating items are allowed, it’ll attract bugs, rats, and potential disease.

In the end, sift safely and do it smart. Garbage men do it all the time and bring home great stuff.

I think this is a really awesome concept. My sister used to ‘dumpster dive’ in downtown Charleston, SC in the Million dollar residential areas and found plenty of antiques, fixerup furniture and cd’s. I think eating out of the dumpster is a bit scary …hepatitis. 🙂

This is how I survive on a federal work study budget. Only problem I’ve ever run into is I feel awkward wearing clothes I found in the campus dumpsters on campus. I’m always paranoid the person who tossed my sweater will see me in it lol.

how is dumpster diving a good reason for a first date experience? *shivers*

dumpster diving is just plain unsanitary. I don’t care what fine treasures might be found in there, who knows whats been in there. maybe a body of some kind, some condoms, animal feces, a side of moldy KFC. no thanks!

While i personally have never dumpster dived other than once at a school (yes u can find cool thing) id suggest anyone who has there doubts/problems/eww that’s gross issues with this watch the film “Dive!” i am sure u can see it on Netflix by now. not only did it blew my mind on ALLOT of the key issues this topic has, but also on our food industry in general. it honestly makes me feel guilty when i shop in a supermarket.

Oddly enough i do not dumpster dive unless it is at a construction site that i am working on. Currently i am working on Hospital site and no i not dig through there dumpsters but i hit the construction ones. To date things i have found have been hospital grade hinges for doors which i have used for other home projects, Lighting, hospitals are often updating there lighting and throwing out completely good lights. Oak trim That was going to get thrown out has been refinished by me and put up in my home. Often a trip to the contractors office proves to be usefull as well. My whole garage has been insulated and drywalled with used material that where going to be thrown out. Now my other favorite place is the city landfill and there you will never know what you will find.